Friends of IES Briefing Highlights Research on Supporting Students with Disabilities Transition to Adulthood

On March 4, the Friends of the Institute of Education Science (IES), in cooperation with honorary co-chairs Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), and Rep. Michael Honda (D-CA) held a congressional briefing, “Transitioning to Adult Productivity: Supporting Secondary Students with Disabilities in Successful Movement to College and Career.” IES’ National Center for Special Education supports research that has identified interventions that can “prepare students with disabilities for postsecondary education and the workforce.” The COSSA-supported briefing featured IES-funded research on improving transition outcomes for students with disabilities. Speakers discussed how the programs assist these students in gaining employment, becoming academically successful, and thriving socially after leaving high school. Speakers included Erik Carter, Vanderbilt University; Laurie Powers, Portland State University; David Test, University of North Carolina, Charlotte; and Mary Wagner, SRI International. Deborah Ziegler, Council for Exceptional Children, moderated the session. The speakers’ presentations and photos from the session are available here.